Systems and methods of manufacturing and using an expansion ring

ABSTRACT

A method of connecting an expansion ring to at least one end of a braided implant, the method including positioning the braided implant about a tube; everting an end portion of the braided implant over a first end of the tube; assembling an expansion ring to the braided implant, the expansion ring being a multi-leaved expansion ring comprising clips terminating with an open-ended coupling opening, wherein the openings are pushed over a set of intersecting wires of the braided implant at respective circumferential locations on or adjacent the first end of the tube; closing the openings over the set of intersecting wire; trimming ends of the braided implant; and reversing eversion of the braided implant thereby positioning the expansion ring internal to the braided implant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/526,749, filed Jul. 30, 2019, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/711,775, filed Jul. 30, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to treatment of certain defects in vasculature of a patient and more particularly, to self-expanding braided stents to a treatment site in vasculature of a patient.

BACKGROUND

Braided stents used in clot retrieval devices are understood as tubular reinforcements that can be inserted into a blood vessel to provide an open path within the blood vessel. Such devices have been widely used in intravascular angioplasty treatment of occluded cardiac arteries, wherein the braid may be inserted after an angioplasty procedure to prevent restenosis of the artery. Braided stents are often deployed by use of delivery devices which cause them to open with the objective of reinforcing the artery wall and provide a clear through-path in the artery.

Further, the weakness and non-linear nature of the neurovasculature limits the applicability of such stents in procedures, for example, in repairing neurovascular defects. Furthermore, known delivery methods are less useful in vasoocclusive surgery, particularly when tiny vessels, such as those found in the brain, are to be treated. Accordingly, there is a need for braided stents that can be used with delivery techniques in vasoocclusive treatment of neurovascular defects that provides selective reinforcement in the vicinity of the neurovascular defect. There is also a need for a braided stent that reduces trauma or risk of rupture to the blood vessel. Finally, when braids are connected to expansion rings, some engineering challenges exist since such rings are usually internal and attached to the flow diverter braid mesh.

The solution of this disclosure resolves these and other issues of the art.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are various exemplary devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure that can address the above needs. In one example, a braided implant is disclosed for flow diversion in the vasculature. The braided implant can be formed by a plurality of braided members with interstices being formed therebetween and include an expansion ring internally connected to the braided implant at a first end. The expansion ring can include a frame defined by a plurality of interconnected support leaves that are selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the braided implant. Each leaf can include a plurality of legs that are joined at an intersection and connected to one of the other support leaves at an opposite intersection. A locking portion can be connected over a set of intersecting wires of the braided implant at respective circumferential locations on or adjacent the first end of the tube. An opening can be provided between the locking portion for connecting to the set of intersecting wires. The braided implant can be connected to the expansion ring by the following steps: positioning the braided implant about a tube; everting an end portion of the braided implant over a first end of the tube; assembling the expansion ring to the braided implant by pushing the opening of the leaves over the set of intersecting wires at respective circumferential locations on or adjacent the first end of the tube; closing the openings of each leaf over the set of intersecting wire; trimming ends of the braided implant; and reversing eversion of the braided implant thereby positioning the expansion ring internal to the braided implant.

In one example, the locking portion includes at least two aligned elongate members extended from the intersection with the opening formed therebetween.

In one example, a method of connecting an expansion ring to at least one end of a braided implant is disclosed. The method can include positioning the braided implant about a tube; everting an end portion of the braided implant over a first end of the tube; assembling an expansion ring to the braided implant, the expansion ring being a multi-leaved expansion ring comprising clips terminating with an open-ended coupling opening, wherein the openings are pushed over a set of intersecting wires of the braided implant at respective circumferential locations on or adjacent the first end of the tube; closing the openings over the set of intersecting wire; trimming ends of the braided implant; and reversing eversion of the braided implant thereby positioning the expansion ring internal to the braided implant.

In one example, the braided implant is a mesh flow diverter.

In one example, the end portion is retained about the tube using a silicone ring or sleeve.

In one example, each opening includes at an elongated wider portion to accommodate wires of the braided implant.

In one example, the opening is approximately 1 mm long.

In one example, a method of manufacturing a braided implant for an aneurysm, the method can include distally sliding a hypotube over a proximal end of the braided implant and onto an attachment pin; inverting the braided implant into itself by proximally moving the distal end of the braided implant over the distal end of the hypotube and forming a folded edge of the braided implant; radially aligning a plurality of clips of an expansion ring about the folded edge, each clip comprising an opening; gripping an inner surface of a first clip of the plurality of clips and attaching the first clip onto the braided implant by inserting an opening of the first clip around and through a first pair of crosses; rotating the attachment pin and repeating the step of attaching for each subsequent clip onto the braided implant by inserting an opening of each subsequent clip around and through a respective subsequent first pair of crosses of the braided implant and then through a respective subsequent second pair of crosses of the braided implant; welding the clips along a length of each respective clip and an inner surface of the braided implant; extending the attachment pin past the plurality of clips, repositioning the hypotube onto the attachment pin pulling back on the braided implant such that the hypotube presses against the clips thereby causing the braided implant to invert onto itself.

In one example, the plurality of clips of the expansion ring consists of four interconnected clips and the expansion ring includes adjoining upper and lower legs that form a four-leaved expansion ring.

In one example, each of the clips are welded by electromagnetic radiation at three separate locations located along the length of the respective clip and internal to the braided implant.

In one example, the method can include engaging each of the four clips with crosses that include a double round pair if the clips are disposed in a predetermined quadrant location.

In one example, each of the clips are welded by electromagnetic radiation at three separate locations located along a length of the respective clip and internal to the braided implant; and positioning the braided implant into a transport tube.

In one example, the method can include positioning a tip of at least one of the clips into the hypotube up to 0.5 mm.

In one example, the method can include forming a symmetric pattern with each clip having a mirror image on opposite sides of the braided implant.

In one example, the method can include loading the braided implant into a fixture; and placing the fixture over the braided implant.

In one example, the fixture includes four quadrants corresponding to openings of the clip, and wherein the step of rotating the attachment pin includes rotating the attachment pin from one quadrant to the next.

In one example, a method of manufacturing a braided implant for an aneurysm. The method can include trimming the braided implant to an initial length; selectively positioning the braided implant onto an attachment pin by leaving a predetermined length (L) of the braided implant extended distally from a distal end of the braided implant and a distal end of the attachment pin; distally sliding a hypotube over a proximal end of the braided implant and onto the attachment pin. The braided implant is held in place and the distal end of the attachment pin is disposed in communication with or adjacent a distal end of the hypotube. The method also includes inverting the braided implant into itself by proximally moving the distal end of the braided implant over the distal end of the hypotube; positioning the attachment pin such that the braided implant is disposed vertically aligned with a microscope to view a folded edge of the braided implant caused by inverting the proximal end over the hypotube; radially aligning an expansion ring comprising a plurality of clips about the folded edge, each clip comprising an opening; gripping, by a gripping mechanism, an inner surface of a first clip of the plurality of clips; attaching the first clip onto the braided implant by inserting an opening of the first clip around and through a first pair of crosses of the braided implant; rotating the attachment pin and attaching a subsequent clip onto the braided implant by inserting an opening of the subsequent clip around and through a subsequent first pair of crosses of the braided implant and then through a subsequent second pair of crosses of the braided implant; positioning the attachment pin and braided implant under electromagnetic radiation so that the respective opening of each clip is aligned with the crosses; closing the clips, by the electromagnetic radiation, along a length of each respective clip and internal to the braided implant; extending the attachment pin passed the plurality of clips, repositioning the hypotube onto the attachment pin, and pulling back on the braided implant such that the hypotube presses against the clips thereby causing the braided implant to inverted onto itself.

In one example, the plurality of clips consists of four clips that form the expansion ring comprising four-leaves. The method in this embodiment can include rotating the attachment pin and attaching a third clip of the plurality of clips onto the braided implant by inserting an opening of the third clip around and through a first pair of crosses of the braided implant adjacent the third clip and then through a subsequent second pair of crosses of the braided implant adjacent the third clip; and rotating the attachment pin and attaching a fourth clip of the plurality of clips onto the braided implant by inserting an opening of the fourth clip around and through a first pair of crosses of the braided implant adjacent the fourth clip and then through a subsequent second pair of crosses of the braided implant adjacent the fourth clip.

In one example, the method can include engaging each of the four clips with crosses that include a double round pair if the clips are disposed in a predetermined quadrant location.

In one example, the method can include repeating the steps of extending the attachment pin past the plurality of clips, repositioning the hypotube onto the attachment pin, and pulling back on the braided implant for each of the plurality of clips to complete this unit.

In one example, the method can include closing each of the clips by electromagnetic radiation at three separate locations located along the length of the respective clip and along an inner surface of the braided implant, and positioning the braided implant into a transport tube.

In one example, each of the respective crosses are adjacent the respective clip to the braided implant.

In one example, the method can include positioning a tip of at least one of the clips into the hypotube up to 0.5 mm.

In one example, the method can include trimming is by using a straight edge ruler.

In one example, the method can include forming a symmetric pattern with each clip having a mirror image on opposite sides of the braided implant.

In one example, the method can include a Rofin laser applying the electromagnetic radiation.

In one example, the initial length is selected by determining a diameter of the braided implant; and determining the initial length appropriate for the braided implant by referring to a table of initial lengths sorted by diameter.

In one example, the predetermined length (L) is approximately 10 mm.

In one example, the method can include loading the braided implant into a fixture and placing the fixture over the braided implant.

In one example, the fixture includes four quadrants corresponding to openings of the clip, and wherein the step of rotating the attachment pin includes rotating the attachment pin from one quadrant to the next.

In one example, the gripping mechanism is a pair of tweezers.

In one example, the gripping mechanism includes a pair of levers connected at one fixed end and a pair of pincers at an opposite end.

In one example, the first pair of crosses is a double round engagement and the second pair of crosses is a double platinum. In another example, the first pair of crosses is a double round and the second pair of crosses is a round engagement in the 1st location of engagement.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the appended drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further aspects of this invention are further discussed with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the invention. The figures depict one or more implementations of the inventive devices, by way of example only, not by way of limitation.

FIG. 1 depicts a side plan view of one step of a method of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a side plan view of one step of a method of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts a side plan view of one step of the method shown beginning in FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 depicts a side plan view of one step of the method shown beginning in FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 5 depicts a forward cross-sectional view of one step of the method shown beginning in FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 6 depicts a forward plan view of one step of the method shown beginning in FIGS. 1-2 whereby an example braid is assembled with a fixture.

FIG. 7 depicts a forward plan view of one step of the method shown beginning in FIGS. 1-2 whereby an example braid is assembled with a fixture.

FIG. 8 depicts a close-up view of engaged crosses of this disclosure in communication with an example clip.

FIG. 9 depicts a close-up view of engaged crosses of this disclosure in communication with an example clip.

FIG. 10a depicts a close-up view of engaged crosses with an example clip according to this disclosure.

FIG. 10b depicts a close-up view of engaged crosses with an example clip according to this disclosure.

FIG. 11 depicts a close-up perspective view of engaged crosses of this disclosure in communication with an example clip.

FIG. 12 depicts a close-up perspective view of engaged crosses of this disclosure in communication with a plurality of example clips.

FIG. 13 depicts a close-up view of engaged crosses of this disclosure in communication with an example clip.

FIG. 14 depicts a forward plan view of one step of the method shown beginning in FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 15 depicts flow diagrams outlining example method steps of this disclosure.

FIG. 16 depicts flow diagrams outlining example method steps of this disclosure.

FIGS. 17a to 17c depict flow diagrams outlining example method steps of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although example embodiments of the disclosed technology are explained in detail herein, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosed technology be limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed technology is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” it is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named.

In describing example embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more steps of a method does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Steps of a method may be performed in a different order than those described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosed technology. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a device or system does not preclude the presence of additional components or intervening components between those components expressly identified.

As discussed herein, vasculature of a “subject” or “patient” may be vasculature of a human or any animal. It should be appreciated that an animal may be a variety of any applicable type, including, but not limited thereto, mammal, veterinarian animal, livestock animal or pet type animal, etc. As an example, the animal may be a laboratory animal specifically selected to have certain characteristics similar to a human (e.g., rat, dog, pig, monkey, or the like). It should be appreciated that the subject may be any applicable human patient, for example.

As discussed herein, “operator” may include a doctor, surgeon, or any other individual or delivery instrumentation associated with delivery of a braid body to the vasculature of a subject.

In braided implant delivery systems, it can be advantageous to incorporate selective reinforcement in the vicinity of the neurovascular defect through one or more expansion rings of this disclosure that are assembled with a braided implant, as described more particularly herein. In one example, a method of connecting an expansion ring to at least one end of a braided implant is disclosed. The method can include positioning the braided implant about a tube; everting an end portion of the braided implant over a first end of the tube; assembling an expansion ring to the braided implant, the expansion ring being a multi-leaved expansion ring including clips terminating with an open-ended coupling opening. The openings can be pushed over a set of intersecting wires of the braided implant at respective circumferential locations on or adjacent the first end of the tube. The method can also include closing the openings over the set of intersecting wire; trimming ends of the braided implant; and reversing eversion of the braided implant thereby positioning the expansion ring internal to the braided implant. This method can be better understood when looking at the figures appended to this disclosure.

In FIG. 1, an example braid 10 is depicted being cut to an initial length using an example straight edge metric scale 80. A practitioner can consult a table that guides the determination of the initial length according to the particular braid 10 diameter. Braid 10 may be formed from a plurality of elongate members braided or otherwise arranged to form a plurality of interstices. Elongate members may be formed from two or more metal wires, or polymeric fibers or strands of material.

In FIG. 2, the example braid 10 is depicted from FIG. 1 now placed onto attachment pin 20. Attachment pin 20 can be a nitinol segment attachment pin that includes a proximal end 24 and a distal end 22. As can be seen, braid 10 may comprise a proximal end 14 and a distal end 12. A length L of separation may be provided between distal end 22 and distal end 12. Braid 10 and pin 20 are each shown with a break to represent indeterminate length since FIG. 2 is not intended to limit the contemplated scope, including length of either braid 10 or pin 20, and instead either can have any number of dimensions according to need or preference. Anywhere else in this disclosure where similar breaks are depicted with respect to certain features, similar scope is contemplated for that respective feature.

In FIG. 3, a side plan view of one step of the method begun in FIGS. 1-2 is shown. The example braid 10 is depicted still placed onto attachment pin 20 with a hypotube 30 positioned over both braid 10 and pin 20. Hypotube 30 can include a distal end 32 and proximal end 34. Hypotube 30 can be slid over the proximal end 14 of braid 10 and proximal end 24 of pin 20 so that the braid 10 is held in place while proximal end 24 is aligned (e.g., flush) with proximal end 24 of hypotube 30. In contrast, distal end 12 of braid 10 can extend distally past distal ends 22 and 32 leaving a length L. Length L can be approximately 10 mm of braid 10 that extends past the end of pin 20, though other lengths can be used and are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. The portion of braid 10 with length L in FIG. 3 can be arcuate and expand from smaller to larger diameter as braid 10 exits distal end 22 to distal end 12. It can be seen that FIG. 3 includes a plane 5-5 proximal of distal end 32 that runs across pin 20, hypotube 32 and braid 10 as will be discussed more particularly below in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 4, a side plan view of one step of the method begun in FIG. 2 is shown. The example braid 10 is depicted still placed onto attachment pin 20 with a hypotube 30 positioned over both braid 10 and pin 20. In this example, the braid 10 has been rolled proximally such that it is inverted onto itself about distal end 32 of hypotube 30. Distal end 12 in particular has been proximally translated along the outer surface of hypotube 30 after inverting over distal end 32, while attachment pin 20 remains disposed internal thereto. Proximal end 14 of braid 10 also extends proximally from proximal end 34 to an expanded diameter greater than the outer diameter of hypotube 30. In certain examples, the braid 10 is inverted into itself by proximally moving the distal end 12 over the distal end 32 of the hypotube 30 and forming a folded edge 16 thereabout.

In FIG. 5, a forward plan view of one step of the method begun in FIG. 2 is shown. In particular, FIG. 5 is a forward cross-sectional plan view at section 5-5 of FIG. 3 showing example braid 10 with folded edge 16 of braid 10 axially aligned with pin 20 and hypotube 30. It can be seen that the inverted outer diameter of edge 16 is larger than diameters of pin 20 and hypotube 30. It can be seen that the pin 20 is positioned such that the braid is sitting vertically (e.g., visible underneath a microscope) that in turn permits full viewing of the edge 16. Edge 16 also forms an extended atraumatic three-dimensional edge in this view as edge 16 extends distally of hypotube 30 and pin 20.

In FIG. 6, a forward plan view of one step of the method begun in FIG. 2 is shown. In FIG. 6, example braid 10 is depicted with folded edge 16 of braid 10 axially aligned with pin 20 and hypotube 30, similar to FIG. 5. However, it can also be seen that expansion ring 50 is now being assembled with braid 10 as discussed more particularly below. Ring 50 may be constructed from a plurality of interconnected leaves 55 that together form a frame of ring 50 capable of imparting one or more additive radial forces to an inner wall and/or an outer wall of the lumen of braid 10. This disclosure discusses approaches for assembling one or more rings 50 with braid 10 that is reliable with reduced risk of injury for the end-user during use.

In particular, ring 50 is loaded into fixture 40 and fixture 40 in turn is placed over braid 10. Optionally, ring 50 can be loaded into fixture 40 by aligning each leaf 55 with respective alignment apertures 43. However, it is understood that examples of this disclosure may not necessarily require fixture 40. Ring 50 can be internally connected to braid 10 at the proximal end 12, as shown. Ring 50 can include a frame that is defined by a plurality of interconnected support leaves 55. Each leaf 55 can be selectively positioned to impart an outwardly expanding radial force to the braided implant 10 when moving between collapsed to expanded configurations during use.

Each leaf can include a plurality of legs 58, 59 that can be joined at an intersection (see e.g., FIG. 11), and connected to one of the other support leaves 55 of ring 50, at an opposite intersection. While FIG. 6 depicts ring 50 having four (4) leaves 55, it is contemplated that ring 50 can include fewer or greater number of leaves 55 as needed or required. Leaf 55 may include a locking portion 56, 54 as well as clip 51, as more clearly shown in FIG. 8, whereby clip 51 engages with the braid 10 while also having its adjoining legs 58, 59 aligned with each quadrant of fixture 40. While only quadrants are depicted in the example of fixture in FIG. 6, it is contemplated that fixture 40 could have any number of portions as needed or required according to respective expansion ring 50.

It can be seen that the inverted outer diameter of edge 16 is larger than diameters of pin 20 and hypotube 30. It can be seen that the pin 20 is positioned such that the braid is sitting vertically (e.g., visible underneath a microscope) that in turn permits full viewing of the edge 16. Edge 16 also forms an extended atraumatic three-dimensional end in this view as edge 16 extends distally of hypotube 30 and pin 20.

In FIG. 7, a forward plan view of one step of the method begun in FIG. 2 is shown, similar to FIG. 6. Braid 10 is depicted in a forward plan view with folded edge 16 of braid 10 axially aligned with pin 20 and hypotube 30. As can be seen, one of clips 51 of ring 50 is being gripped or engaged on its inside face using a gripping mechanism 60 (e.g., tweezers or mechanism including a pair of levers connected at one fixed end and a pair of pincers at an opposite end). Once engaged, clip 51 can be attached onto braid 10 by inserting an opening 52 of clip 51 around and through a first pair of crosses 18. This can be implemented by pulling or otherwise moving portions of clip 51 as depicted in FIG. 7. Crosses 18 engaged with clip 51 can include one or more of the following combination of flat/round, flat/flat, round/flat, or flat/round wire crosses. Once passed therethrough, clip 51 can be guided back up through the next cross 18 of wires of braid 10. In some examples, it is acceptable to engage clip 51 on a double round cross 18 (e.g., platinum or otherwise radiopaque material).

In FIG. 8, a side plan view of a close-up of braid 10 with engaged crosses 18 interwoven with portions of clip 51. Specifically, it can be seen that upper 56 and lower 54 locking portions are connected over a set of intersecting wires 18 of braid 10 at respective circumferential locations. Prior to the view shown in FIG. 8, ring 50 is assembled to braid 10 by pushing the opening 52 over intersecting wires 18 at respective circumferential locations and then closing the opening 52 (e.g., crimping portions 56 and 54 together). Portions 54, 56 may include two aligned members 53 that are elongate and extended away from respective intersection(s) on opening 52 and opposite portions 54, 56. In some examples, members 53 are aligned in parallel and taper or become thinner about opening 52 and then thicken at portions 54, 56. Portions 56 and 54 can be connected together through one or more crimpings, welds, soldered connections, chemical adhesive or the like. The shape and/or pattern of clip 51 may be laser cut into the metal alloy tube of ring 50. However, ring 50 is not so limited and the clip pattern may be formed into one end of the metal alloy tube by any other manufacturing technique as needed or required including 3-d printing, a CNC machine, a lather, additive manufacturing, etc.

It can be seen in FIG. 8 that two separate crosses 18 are depicted being connected over opening 52 formed when portions 54, 56 are connected to each other. However, fewer or greater number of crosses 18 are contemplated as embodiments of this disclosure. Intersecting wires 18 can also be disposed on or adjacent the first end 22 of pin 20. Opening 52 is depicted being defined between locking portion 56, 54. The crosses 18 shown in FIG. 8 can include a double round cross on the left and a flat cross shown on the right, which is an acceptable engagement according to this example.

In FIG. 9, similar to FIG. 8, a side plan view of a close-up of braid 10 with another example of engaged crosses 18 interwoven with portions of clip 51. The crosses 18 shown in FIG. 9 can include a double round cross on the right and a round engagement in the cross on the left, which is an acceptable engagement according to this example.

In FIGS. 10a and 10b , side plan views are shown depicting a close-up of braid 10 with another example of engaged crosses 18 interwoven with portions of clip 51. In FIG. 10a , a double round engagement is shown in the second cross 18 is shown. In FIG. 10b , a double round engagement is shown in the first cross 18 is shown. The configuration of crosses 18 shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b is deemed unacceptable and outside of the process of manufacturing the braid 10 with corresponding ring 50, as described herein.

In FIG. 11, a side plan view of a close-up of braid 10 with another example of engaged crosses 18 interwoven with portions of clip 51. In this view, edge 16 can be seen extending in a curved, inverted configuration from distal end 34 of hypotube 30 with clip 51 engaged therewith. In particular, upper leg 59 and lower leg 58 of clip 51 are connected together at an intersection from which upper 56 and lower 54 elongate portions of clip 51 extend and ultimately connect. The crosses 18 d shown in FIG. 11 can include a flat, flat cross on the first engagement on the left and a round, round cross in the second engagement on the right, which is an acceptable engagement according to this example.

In FIG. 12, a forward plan view of a close-up of braid 10 with an example of a plurality of engaged crosses 18 interwoven with clips 51. In this view, pin 20 has been rotated from one quadrant of ring 50 to the next so the subsequent clip 51 of ring 50 can be attached to braid, according to this disclosure. In certain examples, appropriate placement of clips 51 with respect to braid 10 will produce a symmetric pattern with each clip 51 having a mirror image of itself on the other side of the braid 10. This rotation and attachment process can then be repeated for all respective clips 51 of ring 50. When finished, all clips 51 can be positioned sufficiently engaged through the braid 10 via the respective crosses 18. In certain examples, it may be acceptable for the tips of clip 51 (e.g., tips of portions 54, 56) to slip into the hypotube 30 a certain predetermined depth (e.g., up to 0.5 mm).

In certain examples it is acceptable for any of clips 51 to engage on a double round cross 18 if it resides in the optimum quadrant location with respect to ring 50 and/or corresponding fixture 40. However, it is not acceptable to have a clip 51 engage on a cross 18 that includes two double round pairs (i.e. 4 wires).

In FIG. 13, a side plan view of a close-up of braid 10 with another example of engaged crosses 18 interwoven with portions of clip 51. In this example, attachment pin 20 has been placed along with the braided implant 10 and engaged crosses 18 under a Rofin laser such that the opening 52 in the clip 50 is underneath the engaged crosses 18, as depicted.

In FIG. 14, braid 10 is depicted again on pin 20. In this view, all connections of clips 51 have been inspected such that braid 10 can be flipped back to its original position. In this respect, pin 20 can extend passed the clips 51 and then pulled back on braid 10 so that tube 30 is abutting or in contact or otherwise against clips 51 (e.g., at the tips of clips 51). Braid 10 can be rolled back to cause it to invert onto itself, as shown.

Turning to FIG. 15, a schematic overview of one method 1500 of this disclosure is shown. Method 1500 can include step 1510 positioning the braided implant (10) about a tube (20). Method 1500 can also include step 1520 everting an end portion (12) of the braided implant (10) over a first end (22) of the tube (20). Method 1500 can also include step 1530 assembling an expansion ring (50) to the braided implant (10), the expansion ring (50) being a multi-leaved (55) expansion ring terminating with an open-ended coupling opening (52) at each leaf (55), wherein the openings (50) are pushed over a set of intersecting wires (18) of the braided implant (10) at respective circumferential locations on or adjacent the first end (22) of the tube (20). Method 1500 can also include step 1540 closing the openings (52) of each leaf (55) over the set of intersecting wire (18). Method 1500 can also include step 1550 trimming ends (12, 14) of the braided implant (10). Method 1500 can also include step 1560 reversing eversion of the braided implant (10) thereby positioning the expansion ring (50) internal to the braided implant (10).

Turning to FIG. 16, a schematic overview of one method 1600 of this disclosure is shown. Method 1600 can include step 1610 distally sliding a hypotube (30) over a proximal end (14) of the braided implant (10) and onto an attachment pin (20). Method 1600 can also include step 1620 inverting the braided implant (10) into itself by proximally moving the distal end (12) of the braided implant (10) over the distal end (32) of the hypotube (30) and forming a folded edge (16) of the braided implant (10). Method 1600 can also include step 1630 radially aligning a plurality of clips (50) about the folded edge (16), each clip (50) comprising an opening (52). Method 1600 can also include step 1640 gripping an inner surface of a first clip (50) of the plurality of clips (50) and attaching the first clip (50) onto the braided implant (10) by inserting an opening (52) of the first clip (50) around and through a first pair of crosses (18).

Method 1600 can also include step 1650 rotating the attachment pin (20) and repeating the step of attaching for each subsequent clip (50) onto the braided implant (10) by inserting an opening (52) of each subsequent clip (50) around and through a respective subsequent first pair of crosses (18) of the braided implant (10) and then through a respective subsequent second pair of crosses (18) of the braided implant (10). Method 1600 can also include step 1660 closing the clips (50), by electromagnetic radiation, along a length of each respective clip (50). Method 1600 can also include step 1670 extending the attachment pin (20) passed the plurality of clips (50), repositioning the hypotube (30) onto the attachment pin (20) pulling back on the braided implant (10) such that the hypotube (30) presses against the clips (50) thereby causing the braided implant (10) to inverted onto itself.

Turning to FIGS. 17a, 17b, and 17c , a schematic overview of one method 1700 of this disclosure is shown. Method 1700 can include step 1705 trimming the braided implant (10) to an initial length. Method 1700 can include step 1710 selectively positioning the braided implant (10) onto an attachment pin (20) by leaving a predetermined length (L) of the braided implant (10) extended distally from a distal end (12) of the braided implant (10) and a distal end (22) of the attachment pin (20). Method 1700 can include step 1715 distally sliding a hypotube (30) over a proximal end (14) of the braided implant (10) and onto the attachment pin (20), wherein the braided implant (10) is held in place; and the distal end (22) of the attachment pin (20) is disposed in communication with or adjacent a distal end (32) of the hypotube (30). Method 1700 can also include step 1720 inverting the braided implant (10) into itself by proximally moving the distal end (12) of the braided implant (10) over the distal end (32) of the hypotube (30). Method 1700 can include step 1725 positioning the attachment pin (20) such that the braided implant (10) is disposed vertically aligned with a microscope to view a folded edge (16) of the braided implant (10) caused by inverting the proximal end (12) over the hypotube (30). Method 1700 can also include step 1730 radially aligning a plurality of clips (50) about the folded edge, each clip (50) comprising an opening (52).

Method 1700 can include step 1735 gripping, by a gripping mechanism (60), an inner surface of a first clip (50) of the plurality of clips (50). Method 1700 can also include step 1740 attaching the first clip (50) onto the braided implant (10) by inserting an opening (52) of the first clip (50) around and through a first pair of crosses (18) of the braided implant (10). Method 1700 can include step 1745 rotating the attachment pin (20) and attaching a subsequent clip (50) onto the braided implant (10) by inserting an opening (52) of the subsequent clip (50) around and through a subsequent first pair of crosses (18) of the braided implant (10) and then through a subsequent second pair of crosses (18) of the braided implant (10). Method 1700 can also include step 1750 positioning the attachment pin (20) and braided implant (10) under electromagnetic radiation so that the respective opening (52) of each clip (50) is aligned with the crosses (18). Method 1700 can include step 1755 closing the clips (50), by the electromagnetic radiation, along a length of each respective clip (50). Method 1700 can also include step 1760 extending the attachment pin (20) passed the plurality of clips (50), repositioning the hypotube (30) onto the attachment pin (20), and pulling back on the braided implant (10) such that the hypotube (30) presses against the clips (50) thereby causing the braided implant (10) to inverted onto itself.

The descriptions contained herein are examples illustrating the various embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. As described herein, the invention contemplates many variations and modifications of a system, device, or method that can be used. Variations can include but are not limited to alternative geometries of elements and components described herein, utilizing any of numerous materials for each component or element (e.g. radiopaque materials, memory shape metals, etc.), utilizing additional components including components to position or assemble the braid 10 with one or more expansion ring 50 of this disclosure. These modifications would be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention relates and are intended to be within the scope of the claims which follow.

The specific configurations, choice of materials and the size and shape of various elements can be varied according to particular design specifications or constraints requiring a system or method constructed according to the principles of the disclosed technology. Such changes are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosed technology. The presently disclosed embodiments, therefore, are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. It will therefore be apparent from the foregoing that while particular forms of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of connecting an expansion ring to at least one end of a braided implant, the method comprising: positioning the braided implant about a tube; everting an end portion of the braided implant over a first end of the tube; assembling an expansion ring to the braided implant, the expansion ring being a multi-leaved expansion ring comprising clips terminating with an open-ended coupling opening, wherein the openings are pushed over a set of intersecting wires of the braided implant at respective circumferential locations on or adjacent the first end of the tube; closing the openings over the set of intersecting wire; trimming ends of the braided implant; and reversing eversion of the braided implant thereby positioning the expansion ring internal to the braided implant.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the braided implant is a mesh flow diverter.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the end portion is retained about the tube using a silicone ring.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the end portion is retained about the tube using a sleeve.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein each opening comprises an elongated wider portion to accommodate wires of the braided implant.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein each opening is approximately 1 mm long. 